Marshalls — Local services in Arlington

I recently went to Marshall’s intending to quickly buy a perfume before heading to the airport, but the experience was awful. All the perfumes were piled up in a disorganized mess inside a glass case, making it impossible to read or identify anything. Imagine a box filled with children’s toys thrown around – that’s what the perfume section looked like. Not only was it frustrating to find the brand I wanted, but when I asked the staff for help, I was told that this was “store policy.”

When I tried to take a few products out to read the labels, one of the employees grabbed them from my hand, insisting I could only look at them at the counter. I explained that I needed to see the product label before making a purchase. Speaking with the manager was no better – she was visibly annoyed when I mentioned that while I understood the need to secure items, the policy couldn’t be to throw everything together like toys in a box.

Finally, I got to the airport only to discover I’d bought an aftershave instead of a perfume, simply because I wasn’t allowed to check the product properly beforehand. Will Marshall’s send me a gift card to make up for the money I wasted? Obviously not. It’s embarrassing how customer service is getting worse by the day in these stores. If they want to prevent theft, fine, but it can’t come at the cost of customers not being able to properly check what they’re buying. This policy is...

I had an upsetting experience at Marshall’s today that I feel needs to be shared, not just for myself but for others who may have similar struggles.

I came in to return two tops (both size XS), and as I handed them to the cashier, she looked at me, smiled, and said, “Too small, huh?” and smiled again. I was caught off guard and honestly hurt by the comment. I struggle with body image and body dysmorphia, and unsolicited remarks like that — even if meant jokingly — can be deeply harmful.

Comments about someone’s body, clothing size, or appearance should never be made in a customer service setting. What might seem like a small or lighthearted comment to one person can be very triggering for another, especially someone with trauma or ongoing mental health challenges related to body perception.

I’m sharing this in hopes that Marshall’s management takes this seriously and ensures that staff are reminded to maintain a respectful and professional tone with all customers — and to avoid personal or potentially hurtful remarks. Kindness and discretion...

When I entered the store, it appeared to be one of the neatest and cleanest Marshalls. Shoes were all in their boxes and organized. The jewelry, same thing. I wasn’t shopping for anything in particular, but I did find a find. Also found out the customer service is nonexistent in the store. I waited for an employee to get rung up for 10 minutes while I stood in line, when they finished checking him out, He went back on the salesfloor and I was finally called to the register. She didn’t greet me, not paying attention the cashier close the box up on my earrings, almost breaking them. The only thing she managed to other out was offering me to apply for a credit card. I’m honestly slightly disappointed at the level of customer service. I guess it’s my fault for having high hopes, but if you’d like to shop someplace neat and clean with no one providing any service, this is a...